Brothels lose web nudity rights

Prostitution websites in Victoria will no longer be able to entice customers with full-body images of naked women or explicit menus of available services, under regulations that take effect today.

The regulations limit pictures to head and shoulder images and ban advertising of explicit sexual services. The changes are designed to close a loophole that has allowed some businesses to engage in risque Web advertising.

The restrictions already applied to "published" advertisements, such as those that appeared in print, but whether "published" covered Web material was unclear. The new rules abolish the ambiguity.

Consumer and Business Affairs Victoria director David Cousins said a dispute with Melbourne's Daily Planet brothel showed the law change was needed. The brothel's website contains full-body shots of naked women and explicit advertisements for services.

Daily Planet Ltd's managing director, Andrew Harris, defended the brothel's website as "tasteful". He said the company would review its position under the new regulations. ");document.write("

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Dr Cousins said the brothel would be prosecuted if it failed to comply with the new regulations. He said the agency would examine prostitution websites to ensure compliance with the new rules. Offenders would be "rigorously prosecuted".